www.huoa.org November/December 2007 Issue #111 Circulation 11,512 TH 25 OKINAWAN Sharing Uchinanchu FESTIVAL MAHALO Aloha By Jon Itomura, Festival Chair Grand Prize “Performance Art” was the eve of the Festival and all plans had been made, Kalakaua Avenue was filled for the International Okinawan Festival Parade. by Reid T Shimabukuro The parade participants came from the U.S., Brazil, near and far, many from Okinawa and some from nearby Waikiki bars. The parade made its way through thousands of waving bystanders, young, old “A performer from and many mainlanders. Okinawa prepares back- stage for her upcoming number.”
What started as a humble idea from Roy Kaneshiro, has evolved into an annual celebration of culture and fellowship that continues to grow. But none of this can be done without the dedication of so many volunteers, the months of planning, discussion and fears. All come together on one weekend demonstrating undeniable conviction, to a culture requiring the assistance of all to accomplish Uchinanchu, Shimanchu, and Uminchu promotion, perpetuation and preservation. So Ippee Nifee Deebiru to everyone and to all please have a great year, for before we all know it, the next Okinawan festival will be here. Let us all hope and believe that together we will always strive, to view the Okinawan Festival as a symbol of Kizuna and keep the dreams of our heritage alive.
But many in attendance were anxious, Kapiolani Park beckoned, they all knew that the Okinawan Festival was soon to be awakened. David Arakawa gave a great speech, Vice-Governor of Okinawa Nakazato was already impressed. The Aloha Party followed, all who attended felt the spirit of Kizuna refreshed. Saturday morning was alive with sunshine and energy, the participants and audience truly represented an impressive study in sociology. Odori, Eisa, Karate and Hula took to the stage, it didn’t matter who they were, where they came from, nor their age. The audience cheered, clapped, and marveled, as the amazing program was deli- cately unraveled. Diamond Head provided a backdrop for the festival that was nothing short of grand, not to forget the largest bon dance and the return of the awesome Rinken Okinawan dignitaries meet Mayor Hannemann during their visit to the 25th Okinawan Festival. (L-R): Band. Yoichi Seki, Treasurer of Urasoe City; Takeshi Gibu, Mayor of Kin Town; Zenki Nakazato, Vice Governor Hokama, Yamashiroya, Ikehara, the weekend had many heroes, Shiroma, Higa, of Okinawa Prefecture; Takeshi Onaga, Mayor of Naha City; Seiyu Arakaki, Mayor of Nishihara Town; Oshiro, Arashiro, Miyashiro and even a great emcee Cyrus Tamashiro. and Michael Gin, Mayor of Redondo Beach, California. (Photo by Tom Hisamura, City & County of Honolulu) Inside This Issue 25th Okinawan Festival Mahalo •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Page 1 Message from Jon Itomura •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Page 2
Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage Paid Honolulu, HI Permit No. 659 Legacy Award Honorees/Sakima Center Dedication ••••••••••••••••••••••• Page 3 Uchinanchu Spotlight/Consul General Kunikata’s Visit •••••••••••••••••••• Page 4 Leadership Tour Reflections/Study Tour Report •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Page 5 Serikaku Chaya ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Page 6 Installation Banquet ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Page 7 Festival/Festival Photo Contest ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Pages 8-9 Ikuyu Madin: Capital Campaign •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Pages 10-11 Club News ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Page 12 Introducing Laura Nakasone/Ohana Ola O Kahumana •••••••••••••••••• Page 13 Recital: Afuso Ryu/Konkuuru ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Page 14 OPG Homestay/Reflections/Student Exchange/Uchinaa guchi ••••••• Page 15
Hawaii United Okinawa Association 94-587 Ukee Street Waipahu, Hawaii 96797 HUOA Schedule of Events/HOT Schedule ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Page 16 2 Uchinanchu November/December 2007 25th Okinawan Festival Chair Message UCHINANCHU Jon Itomura Iee Nifee Deebiru... Mahalo! t was truly an honor to receive the opportunity to Uchinanchu is our voice — the voice of the Hawaii United Okinawa Iserve as Chair for the 25th Celebration of the Okinawa Association, its members, and the “home” we all built together, the Hawaii Festival. It is beyond words to describe the efforts of Okinawa Center. By sharing information and experiences, Uchinanchu keeps so many dedicated volunteers who made the largest us connected as a family, dedicated to preserving, sharing and perpetuating Okinawan Festival possible. That we can all work through our Okinawan cultural heritage. all the issues and unanticipated surprises is both amazing and heartwarming and Every dollar donated — along with the valuable income from advertising allows me to believe that the Chimugukuru (true heart) of the Okinawa spirit still - helps offset the cost of publishing Uchinanchu. HUOA sends a sincere ippee runs strong through and beyond the Okinawan community here in Hawaii. nifee deebiru to the following donors. Mahalo for keeping Uchinanchu alive It is unfortunate that so many praises that were uttered over the weekend may and thriving. never be heard or documented for our volunteers to hear and see. All I have to offer is my sincere “Mahalo” and “Ippee Nifee Deebiru” for working together to educate and (July 1 to September 30, 2007) impress so many visitors from all over the island and the world. George and Eleanore Arakaki Kimiye Koide Ippee Ippee Nifee Deebiru Yoshiro Awakuni Charles Kubota Harue Lee ll traces of the 25th Okinawan Festival are now gone from Kapiolani Park. Mr. & Mrs. Takeo Azama It is hard to believe that just two months ago thousands upon thousands Grace C. Bush Grace Higa Aof people gathered to enjoy a special weekend with the Hawaii United Okinawa Yoshiko Chinen June H. Doolin Association. Kay Ginoza Michael Nohara Yuimaaru is a valuable Okinawan principle of mutual cooperation in which one Betsy S. Han Ethel K. Serikaku applies his or her efforts to a cause without expectation of any reward other than having the satisfaction of doing one’s best to fulfill a mission or goal, especially for In Memory of Yoshimori and Edith E. Shimabuku a friend in need. When our courageous issei, crossed the waters from Okinawa to Ernest K. Higa In Memory of Isao Shiroma begin a new life in these islands, practicing the principle of yuimaaru helped them Frederick T. Higa H. Rachel Shiroma to survive and maintain their ethnic identity. More than one hundred years later, Matsue S. Higa Jane S. Shiroma yuimaaru is still what fills the hearts and joins the hands of our community to put out its best for one of Hawaii’s largest and long-running ethnic events. Eiko Higa Misao Takara To the grand corps of volunteers who shared their time and resources to make Shigeo Higa Myrtle Terada the 25th Okinawan Festival, Ippee Nifee Deebiru. To the hundreds of performing Anonymous Kenyu Tokuda artists who gathered from across the east and west of the Pacific and Hawaii to D.I. Ishiara Stella Uehara showcase their talents of Okinawa’s unique aesthetic culture, Ippee Nifee Deebiru. Milton and Ethel Uehara To the dignitaries and friends who chartered a special flight from Okinawa, to fel- Morris S. Ishihara low Uchinanchu who trekked across the U.S. continent, South America and our Juliet Jakahi Maurice S. Uyehara neighbor islands to be a part of the celebration, Ippee Nifee Deebiru. To all of you George Kamimura Yukio Uyehara who help to market delectable konbu or write a name in beautiful brushwork, put Kimiko Kamiya Henry H. Wada together displays to introduce different aspects of Okinawa’s history and culture, Kenneth Y. Kaneshiro Walter S. Wauke Ippee Nifee Deebiru. To each and every one of you who offered an applause at the 25th Okinawan Festival, Ippee Nifee Deebriu. Mr. & Mrs. Frank Kawahara Mr. & Mrs. Frank Yamashiro All of you would proudly fill the hearts of our issei for applying yourself in the Kunie Kiyabu Seihan Tamashiro spirit of yuimaaru.
Uchinanchu Hawaii United Okinawa Association’s bimonthly member newsletter, circulation 11,512 2008 Advertising Space Contract Please Kokua Production costs for Uchinanchu have escalated due to increases in ADVERTISER CONTACT INFORMATION circulation, labeling expenses and postage. Your contribution to help defray Company Name: some of the expenses is greatly appreciated. Address: Mr. Mrs. Ms. Miss First Name Last Name City: State & Zip: Address Contact Name: Title:
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Six Issues $6,000 $3,000 $1,500 $750 $375 $250 President ...... David Z. Arakawa, Nishihara Chojin Kai ~ Hui Makaala ~ Kitanakagusuku Sonjin Kai 1. Prices are for camera ready ads. There is a $25 minimum fee for President-elect ...... Jon Itomura, Chatan-Kadena Chojin Kai, Young production work. Okinawans of Hawaii 2. Add $125 to add violet color to your ad. SPACE DEADLINE: 1st of the first month of a Vice President ...... Ford Chinen, Tamagusuku Club 3. The publisher reserves the right to accept or reject all publication period. advertisements, and to position advertising at the publisher’s Vice President ...... Paul Komeiji, Aza Yogi Doshi Kai discretion. AD COPY DEADLINE: Vice President ...... Howard T. Eguchi, Jr., Itoman Shijin Kai 4. If contract advertising is cancelled before contract completion, the 15th of the first month of a advertiser will be billed the difference between the contracted rate Executive Secretary ...... Sandra S. Yanagi, Chatan-Kadena Chojin Kai publication period. and the single insertion rate. Assistant Executive Secretary . . Janyce M. Miyashiro, Ginowan Shijin Kai 5. The publisher is not responsible for typesetting or printer makeup FAX: 808-676-7811 Japanese Language Secretary . . Chikako Nago, Gushikawa Shijin Kai errors, nor for advertising, endorsements or use of pictures of EMAIL: [email protected] individuals not covered by valid written consent forms. The advertiser Treasurer ...... Steven Miyashiro, Ginowan Shijin Kai shall indemnify and hold the publisher harmless from liability MAIL: 94-587 Ukee Street resulting from publication, including attorney fees and all other Waipahu, HI 96797 Assistant Treasurer ...... Ronald T. Tomasa, Chatan-Kadena Chojin Kai associated litigation cost of any kind. Immediate Past President . . . . . Laverne Higa Nance, Nago Club ~ Hui O Laulima Please review your advertising order and sign the form indicating your confirmation and acceptance of the Executive Director ...... Jane F. Serikaku advertising space contract. Managing Editor ...... Arnold Hiura, MBFT Media Design & Layout ...... Hilma Fujimoto, MBFT Media signature date Editorial/Production Services . . Arnold and Eloise Hiura, MBFT Media November/December 2007 Uchinanchu 3 2007 Legacy Award Luncheon Held n any volunteer organization there is never enough time to properly thank the Sheraton Hotel Ballroom. Over 500 attendees witnessed a spectacular show Iall of its supporters and leaders for their dedication and commitment to the of dance, music and personal video presentations featuring our honorees: Sensei community, association and its goals. Though there are many individuals we Violet Ogawa, Sensei Katsumi Shinsato, Maurice Yamasato, Wally Yonamine and must thank, the Hawaii United Okinawa Association (HUOA) is pleased that Reverend Chikai Yosemori. we have been able to recognize a few of its outstanding individuals within our Our first honorees in 2003 were: Seian Hokama; Kikue Kaneshiro; Shinsuke community through the Legacy Awards. Nakamine; Harry Seisho Nakasone; Akira Sakima; Albert Teruya; and Yasuo On September 23, 2007, the HUOA held its third Legacy Awards Banquet at Uezu. Honorees in 2005 were: Zenpan & Tsuru Arakawa; Charles and Francis Higa; Lynne Yoshiko Nakasone; Yoshino Majikina Nakasone; and Wallace Takeshi Teruya. This year’s Legacy Awards Banquet was generously supported by the following table sponsors: Platinum – Yamasato, Fujiwara, Higa & Associates, and Ryusei Honryu Ryuko Kai Toguchi Mitsuko Ryubu Kenkyu Sho; Gold – Central Pacific Bank, Island Insurance Company, Ltd., and Yamasato, Fujiwara, Higa & Associates; and Silver – Engineering Dynamics, Haneji Club, Hawaii United Okinawa Association, Hui Makaala, Hui O Laulima, Ronald K. & Lella E Migita Foundation, Pacific Buddist Academy, Pacific Transfer, Shinsato Shosei Kai, Tommy S. Toma Contracting, Inc., Yamasato, Fujiwara, Higa and Associates, and The Yosemori Family. Congratulations to our honorees, thank you to our guests and a very big mahalo to the committee members who made this an incredible event to remember! (L-R): Legacy Honorary Co-Chair James Iha, HUOA President David Arakawa, 2007 Legacy Honorees Rev. Chikai Yosemori, Katsumi Shinsato, Violet Ogawa, Wally Yonamine and Maurice Yamasato, and Legacy Honorary Co-Chair Dr. Ryokichi Higashionna. Akira Sakima Recreation Center Dedicated any friends and admirers from the Okinawan community joined members Mof Akira Sakima’s family and government officials at the Kalihi Valley District Park Recreation Center on October 6 to dedicate the building in honor of the late legislator and beloved community leader. Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann officiated over the ceremonies, which included City Councilman Romy Cachola, who introduced the resolution to rename the building the Akira Sakima Recreation Center. Sakima’s widow, Jane, his son, Howard Sakima and wife, Sue, of Elk Grove, California, and his daughter, Ellen Higa, attended with their families to accept a plaque from Mayor Hannemann and a resolution from the state House of Representatives. Akira Sakima was born in Hilo and grew up on a pig farm in Kalihi Valley. He rose to prominence and represented the district in the House of Representatives from 1959 to 1976. A strong supporter of public education, he later served on the state Board of Education from 1984 to 1986. Sakima died in April of this year. Throughout his life, Sakima was a leader and supporter of many social and community groups in Kalihi, as well as the broader Okinawan community. In 1985, the HUOA named him its “Uchinanchu of the Year.” In 2000, the Akira Sakima Endowment Fund was established with the Kalihi Valley Community Foundation to endow programs for children and families in Kalihi Valley. That same year, the government of Japan awarded him The Order of the Sacred Treasure – Gold Rays with Rosette for his contributions to strengthening the ties between Japan and the United States. He is also remembered for his role in transporting of 600 milking goats from Hawaii to Okinawa to provide food (L–R): Sue and Howard Sakima, Jane Sakima, Ellen Higa and Mayor Mufi Hannemann stand before relief in 1949. the plaque honoring the late Akira Sakima. (City & County of Honolulu photo by Tom Hisamura) The newly renamed center includes a gym, boxing facility, kitchen, complex office, recreation classrooms, and community meeting rooms. Mayor Akira Sakima did for Kalihi residents, many of whom were immigrant families. Hannemann remarked, “Having grown up in Kalihi, I am very familiar with the I take personal pleasure in honoring this great man for his contributions to his gym, having played and coached there. I also know firsthand the good works that neighbors and his community.” IPPEE NIFEE DEEBIRU! DOMO ARIGATO GOZAIMASU! MAHALO! THANK YOU VERY MUCH! he Hawaii United Okinawa Association (HUOA) would like to take this Ippee nifee deebiru to our dedicated, reliable, energetic and “young-at-heart” Topportunity to recognize and thank our many members, volunteers, gardeners, who carefully manicure and clean our Takakura and Issei gardens. chairpersons, officers and community partners for their tireless support Not only do our gardeners take care of the landscaping at Hawaii Okinawa and dedicated commitment to preserving, perpetuating, and promoting the Center, they occasionally dabble in moving boxes, trash hauling and assisting Okinawan culture. Without your selfless acts of volunteerism and love of our the office staff. Hawaii Okinawa Center is also fortunate to have the office culture, events like this year’s tremendous 25th Okinawan Festival, Okinawan volunteers, gift shop volunteers, Japanese translators, docents and many others Festival Parade, Kin Town’s Toyama Kyuzo production, Children’s Okinawan who come when they can to help. Cultural Day Camp, Legacy Awards Banquet, Autumn Dance Festival, numerous We salute you, our members and partners, for your Uchinanchu spirit and Craft Fairs, HUOA invitational golf tournament, HUOA Leadership Study Tour, thank you for enhancing our 2007 theme, Kizuna - Perpetuating Ties to Our community outreach project, and many cultural performances at the Hawaii Uchinanchu Culture and Heritage! Okinawa Center and at other venues in the community, could never have been accomplished. 4 Uchinanchu November/December 2007 UCHINANCHU SPOTLIGHT Matsuyoshi “Mat” Arashiro n this issue, the Uchinanchu Spotlight shines on Matsuyoshi “Mat” Arashiro who has been an extremely active volunteer since the 1970s, Icontributing endless hours of service in support of HUOA activities and events and as past president of the Gushikawa Shijin Kai. Mat was a soldier with the famed 442 Regimental Combat Team, which earned military honors in Europe in World War II. After his tour of duty, Mat graduated with an engineering degree from Kansas State University and began his long association with the U.S. military before retiring as the Pacific Area Facility Engineer based at Pearl Harbor. Mat wholeheartedly supports the projects of the Gushikawa Shijin Kai and other HUOA member clubs. His many contributions include chairing the program committee for the Okinawa Cultural Jubilee in 1980. In 1987, Mat became the chief solicitor of funds in his club to build the Hawaii Okinawa Center (HOC). Mat’s commitment and spirit benefited the Okinawan community and HUOA, as he significantly raised the level of donations from his club. He also introduced computers for our fund solicitation office, as the level of donations rose quick- ly and substantially. Anyone who volunteers at the HOC and the Okinawan Festival knows how valuable Mat is. As a festival maintenance person, Mat used his expertise to set up the drainage system for the food booths and assists in many other areas, before, during and after the festival. As a volun- teer at HOC, Mat directs the set up of HOC tents and sinks for food booths at HUOA craft fairs, maintains the sidewalks around Legacy Hall, and coordinates the vol- unteer club cleanup crews at HOC on Sunday mornings. In 2006, Mat Arashiro was selected as Gushikawa Shijin Kai’s Uchinanchu of the Year. The Uchinanchu Spotlight focuses on Mat Arashiro for his Uchinanchu spirit of volunteerism. Consul General and Mrs. Kunikata visit HOC gentle rain joined the afternoon sun to enhance the lush Afoliage and blanket the freshly swept lawn of the Takakura Okinawa Garden on September 21. Volunteer gardeners at the Hawaii Okinawa Center (HOC) outdid themselves in an extra effort to “tidy-up” the gardens for the special guests who were scheduled for a visit. At precisely 2 p.m., Consul General Toshio Kunikata and his wife Hiroko Kunikata arrived for their requested appointment at the HOC. The Hawaii United Okinawa Association (HUOA) usually invites the Consul General to its major events such as the Installation Banquet and the Okinawan Festival, and we appreciate the strong show of support by the gracious partici- pation of the Consul Generals at our gatherings. However, it was truly a rare and humbling request by a Consul General to visit our HOC. Volunteer docent/researcher Robert Kishaba offered infor- mation about our membership and some of the uniqueness of Okinawan surnames which our guests seemed quite interested in. Our leader of the volunteer gardeners, Minoru Teruya, also added his insight and interesting personal history of a kibei- nisei. Consul General Kunikata expressed his interest in the activi- HOC volunteers join our guests: Joan Gushiken, June Arakawa, Robert Kishiba, Mrs. Kunikata, Consul General Kunikata, Minoru ties of the HUOA. HUOA staff and volunteer hosts explained Teruya, Hatsuko Morales, Masa Shinsato and Toshimitsu Matayoshi that the organization offers many different activities to encour- age wide participation from our community. Sports, including golf, bowling, softball, and volleyball, cultural education, including the Children’s Cultural Day Camp, our community outreach projects, support to the various Okinawan performing arts organizations, major events such as the Okinawan Festival were some of the activi- ties that were shared with the Consul General and his lovely wife. Our guests were keenly interested in knowing the importance of HUOA’s current capital campaign project, which led to a discussion of HUOA’s Okinawa Plaza project and how the income from the Okinawa Plaza would help to support future activities of our Association. Consul General and Mrs. Kunikata enjoyed a tour of the Teruya Pavilion, the Higa Building and both the Issei and Takakura Gardens. Their interest in the HUOA is truly appreciated. We extend our best wishes for their successful and memorable assignment in Hawaii and welcome their participation in our future activities.
2007 Annual Drive Preserving Our Legacy Uchinaa-guchi DONATIONS (Okinawan language) Mahalo to the following individuals and organizations who have generously contributed towards the Hawaii United Okinawa Association and its center. The following donations were received between- Word of the Month July 1, 2007 to September 30, 2007. November 1) u-shirashi, n. [oshirase] An oracle; BRONZE ($250 AND ABOVE) OTHER In Memory of Chester & Hatsumi Toguchi Laura T. Chun an inspiration; a revelation; a divine George Agena message. CONTRIBUTOR ($100 AND ABOVE) Tsuruko, Harold & Gilbert Higa Mark Nakasone June S. Omura December Harold M. Higa 2) tama-kugani, n. [tama-kogane] Gems and gold; things that are precious as SUPPORTER ($50 AND ABOVE) gems and gold. In Memory of Kozun Nakata by Mildred Nakata
(Excerpted, with permission, from the Okinawan-English FRIEND ($25 AND ABOVE) Wordbook, by Mitsugu Sakihara, edited by Stewart Wayne Muromoto Curry, University of Hawaii Press, Honolulu, 2006) Gay Satsuma The Okinawan-English Wordbook (softcover) can be In Memory of Mr. & Mrs. M. Arashiro by Aileen Arashiro purchased for $13 at the HOC gift shop. In Memory of Matsu Tamashiro by Matsue Fujioka November/December 2007 Uchinanchu 5 2007 HUOA LEADERSHIP STUDY TOUR TO OKINAWA or 12 memorable days, 15 young adults representing various clubs in Hawaii Fexperienced Okinawa as few ever get to see it – visiting historic sites, cook- ing and tasting popular Uchinanchu foods, immersing themselves in the culture, learning Eisa and kachashi, homestaying with families and, for some, even finding and connecting with long lost relatives. The support of Okinawa Governor Nakaima and his team at the Okinawan Prefectural Government (OPG) was overwhelming. The HUOA leadership group was treated royally for five days, traveling in an OPG bus escorted by Okuda san and translator Gabriel Crawford. The cost of participating in this very special program is split: 1/3 by the partici- HUOA Leadership Study Group had the rare opportunity to meet with Governor Nakaima, Vice pant’s club, 1/3 by the HUOA, and 1/3 by the individual. Governors Nakazato and Asato all at the same time. PARTICIPANTS SPONSORING CLUB REFLECTIONS: HUOA Leadership Russ Awakuni Urasoe Shijin Kai Daniel Chinen Hawaii Sashiki-Chinen Doshi Kai Study Tour Leslie Dang Aza Gushikawa Doshi Kai By Laura Shinto, Okinawa City-Goeku Daryl Goto Itoman Shijin Kai rom the time I first met the participants of the 2007 Leadership Tour the Dexter Higa Nishihara Chojin Kai experiences have enlightened my life on many levels...especially spiritually Valerie Kato Hui Makaala F and emotionally. When I signed up for this tour I had expectations of becoming Jennifer Kokuba Hawaii Shuri-Naha Club more knowledgeable about Okinawa’s culture and history…on a journey that Dean Oshiro Tomigusuku Sonjin Kai had a beginning and an end. That expectation has been fulfilled and then some Troy Sakihara Hui Okinawa through some highlights such as having the honor of meeting with the Governor Laura Shinto Okinawa City-Goeku of Okinawa…experiencing cooking Okinawan cuisine…participating with the Tavia Ann Shiroma Gaza Yonagusuku Doshi Kai renowned energetic Daiichi Hirata…trodding on castle grounds where ancestors Courtney Takara Nakagusuku Sonjin Kai have walked before us capturing snippets of Okinawan history…and participating Rena Takushi Hui Makaala in Okinawan craft work (I made a cobalt blue vase). All of these experiences were David Tokuda Kochinda Chojin Kai truly delightful to all of my senses. And yes I have countless pictures and a handful Jennifer Waihee Hui Makaala of souvenirs as proof that I was there. On a personal note, these experiences have unexpectedly sparked REFLECTIONS: HUOA my interest in learning Okinawan songs and sharing Okinawa Leadership Study Tour Check out through this venue. Additionally, quite expectedly upon my return home I found myself on still another journey inspired by the By Tavia Shiroma, Gaza Yonagusuku Doshi Kai our website Okinawan Spirit that has indeed touched my heart. However, this ai Tai! It was a privilege and an honor to be a member of the journey has no “end.” The Peace Memorial Park has impacted me H2007 Leadership Tour. at spiritually and emotionally. Okinawans experienced the atrocities Out of the many awesome experiences from the trip, the one that of war yet their strong attitude towards life is self evident. The means the most to me was meeting my great-grandmother’s family. www.huoa.org Cornerstone of Peace which is at the site of the last fight in the My Aunty Mitsuko Tamayose, my great-grandmother’s sister-in-law, for Battle of Okinawa commemorates the 50th anniversary of the end gave me the names and phone numbers of family living in Okinawa. of the Battle of Okinawa. It is an example of how they conceptually I gave this information to Lynn Miyahira, a fellow Gaza member photos and convey the spirit of peace to the world. It is a collection of large who works for the Okinawan Prefectural Government and who is stone walls shaped like folded screens configured in concentric fluent in Japanese (which was invaluable to me because I don’t speak reflections from arcs beginning from the Flame of Peace as if to evoke the motion any Japanese). Lynn contacted them and made arrangements for me of waves…to send out waves of peace to the world. The plates are to meet them and visit my family’s burial site. When she told me this all participants. inscribed with the names of those who have fallen because of good news, I was overwhelmed with emotion because I knew that war regardless of nationality whether soldiers or civilians (more this was something that my Great-Grandma would want me to do. It civilians died than soldiers). It reflects the expression of hope for would also make my Grandfather, her son, very happy because I could re-establish peace for the souls who passed, serves as a prayer for eternal peace, and a place our ties to family in Okinawa, which we feared were lost when my Great-Grandma to foster the reverence for peace and human life and a place to learn about the passed away. Lynn was able to take the afternoon off to accompany me on this tragedy of war. I have come to embrace this mission of worldwide peace which is family reunion and thank goodness because she was the translator. Thank you the underlying factor embodied in the Okinawan Spirit. Entwined with this spirit Lynn, I will never forget that you made this possible. is a special kind of human resiliency as a response to the sufferings of war and When we arrived at the burial site I was amazed. It was a massive, ancient-look- rejecting war while cherishing culture and peace. This journey has no “end” but is ing structure resembling the shell of a gigantic turtle (characteristic of the Chinese meant to resonate for generations to come. influenced burial sites that can be seen throughout Okinawa) nestled amongst A few months ago our group took our first steps on Okinawan soil together a cluster of modern-day apartments that had been built all around the tomb. At simply as Okinawan acquaintances, but upon return to Hawaii the many hearts that moment, I truly felt my ties to Okinawa because that tomb represented my have naturally evolved into ONE HEART; deeply etched with the Okinawan family’s history and generations in Okinawa. I felt humbled and very proud at the Spirit,Vision, Energy, and Kinship… the sum being greater than its parts. same time. It gave me tears and chicken skin. Okinawa no longer felt like a foreign A mammoth thank you to the Okinawan Prefectural Government, HUOA, Jane country, it felt like home and I have no doubt that I will be back to visit many more Serikaku, David Arakawa, and Laverne Higa-Nance, to my club Okinawa City- times. My Great-Grandmother, Edna Higa, passed away September 20, 2006. I miss Goeku, and to my fellow participants for their concerted efforts to make this tour her and I felt her presence during this trip. materialize. The experiences have been rich and the camaraderie simply awesome. To HUOA and Gaza Yonagusuku Doshi Kai, I offer my heartfelt thanks for this wonderful opportunity and I pledge lifelong service to the development and sustainability of the Okinawan community. To the Okinawan Prefectural Government, thank you for welcoming us so warmly and enthusiastically, I am confident that the bonds between Hawaii and Okinawa will remain strong. To Jane Serikaku, Laverne Higa-Nance, and David Arakawa, I owe my sincere appreciation to each of you for your guidance, inspiration, and friendship. To my fellow tour members, it was an honor to take this journey with all of you and I am so grateful for the lifelong friendships we have formed. Excerpt from REFLECTIONS: By David Tokuda, Kochinda Chojin Kai ne of my most memorable moments in Okinawa was our visit with producer, Odirector and performer Daiichi Hirata. I knew that we were going to dance the hula there and learn a paranku dance, but I had no idea that Hirata’s students would be performing for us. To my surprise, the students performed the finale of their upcoming musical drama, Amawari. I was so impressed at how talented, enthusiastic and passionate these students were. This was definitely a “chicken One of the four leadership teams kick back to enjoy the food that they had prepared, including goya cham- skin” moment that I will never forget. puru, sata andagi, jushime and tempura. 6 Uchinanchu November/December 2007 Serikaku Chaya’s New Executive HUOA DONATIONS: Lounge Aids Cultural Exchange July, August, September 2007 By Carl Nakamura HUOA sends a sincere ippee nifee deebiru to the following donors. much-needed executive lounge was created in the Serikaku Chaya at Tom and Amy Asato Setsuko Tamaribuchi Athe Hawaii Okinawa Center for the use of the Hawaii United Okinawa Yasuko Eastland Teruya Bros. Ltd. Association’s (HUOA’s) president, executive director and other leaders of the orga- Ginowan Club Mr. & Mrs. Steven Y. Uyehara nization to meet with dignitaries and guests. The lounge is also available to mem- Donna Higashi Emily Watanabe bers whenever they visit the center and the lounge is not being used. Jean E. Matsuda and Family Louis and Barbara H. Webb Creation of the lounge was made possible by part of the additional $10,000 James and Jane S. Miyasato Honorable Hirokazu Nakaima, donated by James Serikaku, donations of $400 by Serikaku’s relatives in Okinawa, Okinawa Women’s Jr. College Governor of Okinawa and $200 from the Yeitoku Higa family. Momoko Shimabukuro Honorable Takeshi Onaga, Mayor of Naha City According to architect Maurice Yamasato and Ad Hoc Serikaku Chaya Yumiko Tanaka Honorable Tsuyoshi Gibu, Mayor of Committee Chairperson Gladys Tokunaga-Asao, a portable partition will be added Momoko Miyagi Ai Arashiro Kin Town to provide more privacy for the lounge. In the meantime, however, the lounge is Yui Yonashiro Honorable Seiyu Arakaki, Mayor of very usable. Other members of the committee are Dorothy Hoe, Rodney Kohagura, Aimi Nakaema Nishihara Town Thelma Lam, Gainor Miyashiro, Carl Nakamura, James Nakasone, John Nuha, Yui Nishigata Honorable Mitsuo Gima, Mayor of Urasoe City Helen Oh, Cheryl Okuma, James Serikaku, Jane Serikaku, John Tasato, and Jane Sakurako Yoneha Chairman Mitsuo Ageda, Naha City Tateyama. Rika Nakamoto Assembly James Serikaku – known as “Jimmy” by his friends – has given generously for Betty Y. Shimabukuro Dancho Chozo Ishimine, Konsei the Serikaku Chaya named in honor of his parents, Shigeru and Soyo Serikaku. Mr. & Mrs. Katsumi Shinsato Gassho Dan AMICI Although he is known for his quiet and unassuming personality, Jimmy is very Tamagusuku Ryu Senju Kai passionate about preserving the Okinawa culture. His donations to the HUOA reflect this deep commitment to give back and preserve the Okinawan culture in Hawaii and to pass this commitment on to the younger generation. Free Retina Scan by Project Vision A free community service provided by Retina Institute of Hawaii, at Project Vision’s mobile unit, you can have your retina scanned by a state-of-the-art camera. The image produced will allow doctors to help detect systemic diseases such as high blood pressure and diabetes, retinal ailments like macular degeneration, Ad Hoc Serikaku and other eye disorders including cataracts and glaucoma. This Chaya Committee enjoying the new procedure will take only a few minutes and requires no eye drops. Executive Lounge, There is no invasive risk to the patient. No appointment necessary. which now offers Come and take advantage of this service, free of charge during a comfortable and the Winter Craft Fair at Hawaii Okinawa Center on November elegant place to meet and exchange ideas 24 & 25. The Project Vision mobile unit will be parked on Ukee with visiting guests Street, near the entrance to the Hawaii Okinawa Center. and dignitaries. November/December 2007 Uchinanchu 7 Jon Itomura To Be Installed As Ryusei Honryu Ryuko Kai 2008 HUOA President Toguchi Mitsuko Ryubu Kenkyu Sho he 58th Hawaii United Okinawa Association (HUOA) Installation Banquet Twill be held on Saturday, January 12, 2008 at the Hawaii Okinawa Center Legacy Ballroom. The doors are scheduled to open at 9:30 a.m. for registration; lunch will be served at 10:30 a.m. Jon S. Itomura, a member of Chatan-Kadena Chojin Kai, Ishikawa Club and Young Okinawans of Hawaii, will be installed as e wish to thank you for all HUOA President along with the slate of officers for 2008. W of your support. Please join us at Each year, this Installation Banquet provides HUOA members, family and friends, a unique opportunity to recognize each HUOA member club’s Uchinanchu our mahalo concert created just of the Year honoree. These honorees are selected by club members because they for you ... contributed much of their time, talent and heart to preserve and perpetuate the Okinawan culture and spirit within their clubs and here in Hawaii. Please do not forget to provide Uchinanchu of the Year information to the Installation Banquet committee as soon as possible! “Chimugukuru” This year’s program will also include special guest appearances by Daiichi The Soul of Okinawan Dance Hirata, Nakasone Dance Academy, Nidaime Teishin Kai, KZOO’s 2007 Karaoke Harry Nakasone Mitsuko Toguchi Grand Champion, an inter-island Shishi-mai ensemble and others. Please join us Advisor Kaishu in celebrating the beginning of HUOA’s 58th year. Tickets for the luncheon are $35 per person and will be distributed to all clubs. DECEMBER 1, 2007 Seats are limited and seating priority is based on timely responses so please con- 2:00PM - SATURDAY tact your club president or the HUOA if you are interested in purchasing tickets. HAWAII OKINAWA CENTER FREE ADMISSION - OPEN TO THE PUBLIC (TICKETS ARE REQUIRED FOR ADMISSION Awamori Fest Event COMPLIMENTARY TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE - SEE BELOW)
on December 6 Featuring the dancers of Ryusei Honryu Ryuko Kai The annual Awamori Fest event, a benefit fundraiser for Toguchi Mitsuko Ryubu Kenkyu Sho and the Tamagusuku Ryu Senjukai Frances Nakachi Ryubu guest dancers from Okinawa. Dojo, will be held on Thursday, December 6, at Alan IF YOU WISH TO JOIN US AT THE ALOHA PARTY DINNER Wong’s Pineapple Room, Macy’s Third Floor, from 6 p.m. THAT WILL BE FOLLOWING to 8 p.m. DINNER TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE FOR $20.00.
Proceeds from this event help our Okinawan dance school FOR TICKET INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT THE HAWAII OKINAWA stage future recitals, purchase costumes, and, most of CENTER AT 676-5400, NOBUKO OSHIRO AT 754-0947 all, provide scholarships for students who are interested OR NANCY AKAMICHI AT 595-4006. in furthering their skills by taking the certification test in Okinawa. So please come and enjoy Awamori drinks and mouthwatering cuisine, silent auction, and exciting cultural experience filled with Okinawan music and dance! 2007 Legacy Award Recipients
Violet Ogawa Katsumi Shinsato Maurice Yamasato Wallace “Wally” Yonamine Bishop Chikai Yosemori
Presale tickets are $50 until November 30, $60 at the door (no refunds for no shows or cancellation). Make checks payable to: Tamagusuku Ryu Senju Kai Hawaii Mail to: P.O. Box 10446 Honolulu, HI 96816 For tickets and information, contact Melissa at 497-3037, Tamagusuku Ryu Senjukai Frances Nakachi Ryubu Dojo [email protected] www.senjukaihawaii.com 8 Uchinanchu November/December 2007 Festival Crowd. Photo by: Alan IsaraAlan by: Photo FestivalCrowd.
Reflections
Energetic and cheerful taiko performer. Photo by: Joey Itagaki
Bon dancers enjoying the festivities. Photo by: Joey Itagaki
Shishimai enjoying the sanshin performer. Photo by: Joey Itagaki November/December 2007 Uchinanchu 9 What a Day in the Life of the Okinawan Festival! Thank you to all who submitted photos to the “Day in the Life of the Okinawan Festival Photo Contest.” The committee had a difficult time determining the winners because of the quality of the photos submitted. Congratulations to our talented winners! We will archive the pictures to help us document the 25th Okinawan Festival. We hope that these photos capture the essence, spirit and fun of the Okinawan Festival.
Behind the scenes “Every year the Arakaki family pulls together First Place to man the reefers where all the food is kept. You “The Reefer Crew” can find them there from Friday setting up and organizing all the way until the end of the festival, by Gina Nakahodo making sure the booths receive their food!”
Festival People Festival Activities First Place First Place “Performers waiting backstage.” “Dance Performance - by Ryan Sugamoto Kyuzo Toyama Musical” by Marlys Nakata
“I think this was from scene 2 of the Kyuzo Toyama Musical. I thought it looked nice with the dancer and the huge taiko drum in the background.”
Festival Food “Performers waiting backstage.” First Place “Andagi!” Sharing Aloha by Reid Shimabukuro First Place “Sharing aloha through music” by Robert Itoman
“Andagi!”
To fully appreciate the photos, check out the full color pictures “Visiting Okinawans sharing their aloha in Hawaii” online at www.huoa.org or www.okinawanfestival.com. “Nakagusuku Sonjin Kai members Ellen Saguibo and Irene Higa at Jefferson “Goya ikaga desu ka?” by Ryan Sugamoto School shredding pork for Oki Dog” by Jo Ann Matsunaga “Goya for sale at the Country Store.” “Sisters Ellen & Irene shred pork for the Oki Dog at Jefferson School Cafeteria on Saturday “Generations” by Reid Shimabukuro 9/1/07 (first shift) which started at 7:00 am.” “An elder member of the performing group from Kin Town helps a younger member prepare “Waiting” #2 by Remy Nakama for his upcoming show.” “Taken on 9/2/07, Sunday. My family was by the stage waiting for my mother-in-law’s dance “Happy parade participants” by Robert Itoman troupe to perform. I noticed these girls with their taiko drums waiting to perform. It was Hot! “Happy girls from Okinawa participating in the festival.” I think you can tell from the looks in their eyes.” “Hanayakara Jump!!” By Christopher M. Hall “Want some shave ice?” by Christopher M. Hall “I caught this highly spirited dance group, Buyo Shudan Hanayakara, as they were all jumping “These Okinawan youths were doing a fine job running this shave ice booth. It appears that into the air during their performance on Sep 1st.” strawberry is the most popular flavor.” “In Step” by Remy Nakama “The answer to the summer heat” by Ronald Kiyabu “Taken on Sunday, 9/2/07. This is a photo of my mother-in-law’s dance troupe performing “Shaved Ice was a popular choice to help deal with the summer sun and heat. The near perfect at the 25th Okinawan Festival.” cone shaped shaved ice decorated in assortment of colors made this an appetizing treat.” 10 Uchinanchu November/December 2007 Bridging from Generation to Generation
A Capital Campaign of the Hawaii United Okinawa Association Coming to the Crossroads n certain times in our lives we will come to a crossroad, where we will decide whether to take the easy path and accept the future as it Icomes or travel the more difficult and challenging path and create our own destiny. Two years ago, the Hawaii United Okinawa Association decided to determine its own future - to seek a solution that would address the financial challenges that faced the Association and the Hawaii Okinawa Center in the years to come. The Idea – Hawaii Okinawa Plaza To commercially develop the property across the street, that would generate stable and steady revenue for us. This would give the Association the funds needed to sustain and meet the growing financial needs of the Hawaii Okinawa Center and to continue the opera- tions of the Hawaii United Okinawa Association. The Solution – “Ikuyu Madin – from Generation to Generation” Capital Campaign Our “Capital Campaign” started in 2005. While there was an initiative to move as quickly as possible, there was also understandable hesitation and caution among HUOA members, core volunteers and Board of Directors. As anticipated, it was imperative that the HUOA Ikuyumove as quickly as possible as all the vacant properties in theMadin surrounding Waipio commercial area were scooped up in a matter of a few months. There is no denying that HUOA would have lost an opportunity of a lifetime – to own a multi-use property adjacent to the Hawaii Okinawa Center - if action was not taken immediately. With very little time to prepare and discuss, the energy of the Campaign, however, was difficult to sustain. The campaign has arguably slowed down due to a multitude of reasons and assumptions including but not limited to the fact that HUOA is a non-profit organization made up of individuals and clubs who are constantly being asked to donate generous time and money to HUOA, to their Okinawa locality clubs, and to their Okinawan cultural performance clubs throughout the entire year to support an ethnic heritage that is rapidly diluting in Hawaii’s environment. This is all in addition to their personal support for other charities, churches, educational pursuits and family obligations. Time is still critical and the goal to raise $3.6 million to clear title and to raise an additional $6 million to realize the Hawaii Okinawa Plaza in its final phase is overwhelming. So how do we get there? Currently, HUOA has brought its relationship with the fund raising firm of Myerberg & Shain to a close in hopes that efforts in a new direction may rekindle energies to realize a dream. The reality is that many HUOA members are still unaware that the cost to sustain numerous programs along with maintenance, repair and operating expenses over the last 17 years have risen tremendously. Rising costs combined with delaying necessary repairs, the reality of decreasing revenues from craft fairs, Okinawan Festival and less donations from individuals seriously threaten the ability of HUOA to keep the legacy that is the Hawaii Okinawa Center a feasible and viable option over the next five to ten years. In the past, the Board of Directors have been asked to vote “Yeah” or “Nay” on various technical issues and were left to their discretion to serve as messengers with information for their respective clubs. The initial Capital Campaign was understandably complex, mysterious and vulnerable to questions and criticism. The general consensus after two years of hard work …that approach was not working. The pur- pose of the “Reinvigorating the Capital Campaign” project is to breathe new life into the Land Acquisition fundraising effort by involving the “HUOA CLUBS” directly at the most basic levels so that knowledge is open and shared. The “Clubs” must take ownership and respon- sibility in this quest to bring financial stability and support for HUOA. The concept is simple. There is no separation between “HUOA” and forty nine member clubs. The clubs are HUOA, HUOA is a collective representative of the clubs and subject to a difficult decision made by a majority of these clubs 2 years ago, to investigate and pursue this dream. Going forward, we must stand united. The purpose of pursuing this specific dream is to relieve members and future generations of the burden to personally sustain the Hawaii Okinawa Center. This is not a question of additional benefits but rather an issue of survival. The Hawaii Okinawa Center arose 17 years ago as a result of a tremendous collective effort. At that time, it was realized and stated that some- thing more was needed to ensure that the Hawaii Okinawa Center would not collapse under its own success. We have been fortunate to have had the past 17 years to enjoy this success. Now HUOA must contemplate whether the Hawaii Okinawa Center is truly a legacy worth preserving. This “Reinvigorating” project represents a “fluid/flexible” plan, subject to many adjustments, seeking to have the Clubs educate and support each other and develop a strategy to spur participation from each other rather than relying upon or waiting for a handful of select individuals to provide information and answers. This would demonstrate that a true “grassroots” effort can accomplish the goal of realizing the dream - that the Hawaii Okinawa Plaza may one day sustain and support the Hawaii Okinawa Center for all who follow in “our” footsteps to enjoy. In the past week you may have received a call or a letter requesting your financial support for this Capital Campaign and our Annual fund drive. These campaigns are different and the funds received will be used for different purposes. At this time, we would like to take the opportunity to thank you for your continuing support and generous assistance as a member of the Hawaii United Okinawa Association. Please feel free to call us at 676-5400 should you have any questions. Ippee Nifee Deebiru – thank you very much. November/December 2007 Uchinanchu 11
The Hawaii United Okinawa Association would like to acknowledge the following individuals, organizations and companies who have donated or pledged to our Capital Campaign. We are grateful for your support and the confidence you have displayed through your generous donation. Magukuru kara ippee nifee deebiru – from our hearts, thank you very much.
Donors are listed in alphabetical order and reflect donations received from July 1, 2007 to October 15, 2007. Seitoku & Shizuko Akamine Masaru & Kiyoko Oshiro In Memory of Masaichi Kobashigawa by Julie Stanley T. Arakaki Momoyo Oshiro Kobashigawa David Z. Arakawa Ronald N. S. Ho & Associates In Memory of Frank S. Kuba by Members of OurCentral Pacific Bank SupportersFord Sega Hawaii Shuri-Naha Club Jane T. Chang Jane F. Serikaku In Memory of Jane M. Matsuda by George M. William Y. & Aileen Chinen Jon O. Shimabukuro Matsuda Sidney Fuke Mark T. & Elaine S. Shimabukuro In Memory of Mr. Genyei Miyashiro by M/M The Members of Gaza Yonagusuku Doshikai Takeo & Betty Y. Shimabukuro Richard Itoh Neal Y. Goya Mitsuko Shinsato In Memory of Shigeru & Soyo Serikaku by Stanley The Members of Hawaii Shuri-Naha Club Masao Shiroma & Carol Matsuo Jason H. Higa Charles Surridge In Memory of Takeichi & Dorothy Shimabukuro Richard Higa Gerald K. & Paula M. Suyama by Edwin & Hope Shimabukuro Shigeo and Yoshiko Higa Walter J. & Yoshie Taira In Memory of Richard Y. Shiroma by Sandra J. Patrick C. & Belle P.J. Hodges Edward M. & Emily K. Tamanaha Shiroma Robert, Doreen & Quentin Ikeno Cyrus & Ann Tamashiro In Memory of Grandpa and Grandma Yosuke & Juliet Y. Jakahi Barbara M. Toguchi Kamato Shiroma by Clayton & Leigh Shiroma The Members of Kanegusuku Sonjin Kai Club David S. Tokuda In Memory of Grandpa and Grandma Yosuke & Betty Kaneshiro Francis Tonaki Kamato Shiroma by DarrylShiroma Hideo & Fusako Kaneshiro Morris O. Toyooka In Memory of Grandpa and Grandma Yosuke & Ken Kato Milton K. & Ethel S. Uehara Kamato Shiroma by Michael & Caren Shiroma Edward Kino Morris & Roberta Umeno In Memory of my father Baiko Owan by Evelyn O. Shizue Kino Tylar Umeno Stambler Carl G. & Sandra Y. Kobayashi Susan Ushijima In Memory of William Meiken Terukina by Charles S. & Kaneko Kubota Vincent Watabu Gertrude Terukina Claire T. Matsumoto Harold M. & Elsie A. Yonamine In Memory of Frank & Steven Watanabe by Ellen Hisashi & Sally A. Matsumoto Richard H. & Nancy S. Zukemura Watanabe, Scott & Patti Watanabe, Stuart & Chiseno Eleanor Miyasaki In Memory of Walter Cambra by Edith K. Cambra Lora Watanabe, Stacy Watanabe and Sheryl & Gordon S. & Faye E. Miyasato In Loving Memory of Tom T. Higa from Betty U. Gary Miyama Larry M. & Yaye Miyashiro Higa & Family In celebration of the 55th Wedding Anniversary of Patrick & Nona Miyashiro In Memory of Shinyu Ige by Baldwin & Charlene Larry and Alice Morisako by Hideko Masaki Steven J. & Janyce M. Miyashiro Nekomoto Lawrence & Alice H. Morisako In Memory of Zensei & Kama Isa by Richard & Michelle Kino Nakagawa Leilani Isa Roy N. & June N. Nakamasu In Memory of Zensei & Kama Isa from Richard T. Haruko Nakasone & Leilani Isa Tom T. & Wilma M. Ogimi In Loving Memory of Mrs. Florence Kamiyama The Members of Oroku Azajin Kai from Nago Club The Members of Oroku Doshi Kai In Memory of Jack S. Kaneshiro by Aileen A. Keiko Oshiro Kaneshiro
READY TO MAKE YOUR CONTRIBUTION TO OUR FUTURE, PLEASE USE THE PLEDGE FORM BELOW. YOUR TAX DEDUCTIBLE DONATION WILL ENSURE THE PERPETUATION OF OUR OKINAWAN CULTURE FOR GENERATIONS TO COME.
A CAPITAL CAMPAIGN OF THE HAWAII UNITED OKINAWA ASSOCIATION Name Club Name Address City State Zip Phone Email My gift to the Hawaii United Okinawa Association Capital Campaign of: $ For a period of 1 year Is enclosed. Please bill me: Quarterly Bi-annually Annually 2 years Please charge my: Visa MasterCard 3 years Card number Expiration date Card holder name Card holder signature My gift is in memory of � My gift is on behalf of BUILDING FROM My gift will be matched by GENERATION TO GENERATION (Please enclose your matching gift form) � Please make checks payable to HUOA Capital Campaign Fund. For more information please contact Karen Kuba Hori by phone: 808-676-5400 by fax: 808-676-7811 by email: [email protected] or by mail: Hawaii United Okinawa IKUYU MADIN Association 94-587 Ukee Street Waipahu, Hawaii 96797-4214. 12 Uchinanchu November/December 2007 We have awarded hundreds of scholarships throughout the past 60 years. This school year alone, $16,000 has been awarded to eight deserving high school students seeking higher education. The co-chairs of the event were Karen Shishido and Patsy Takaesu. Club News – Ginowan Shijin Kai Haari Boat Races to Return to Hilo in inowan Shijin Kai honored their members over 80 years of age at its annual Gpicnic held on July 15, 2007. Everyone that came had a wonderful experience. 2008 Sincere thanks to all of the families who helped to plan the event: the Iha family, By Patti Taira-Tokuuke, Hui Okinawa President Sharlene and Keith Shimada, Max and Sharon Shinkawa for planning the picnic, ui Okinawa is pleased to announce that the Haari Boat Festival will make Melvin Iha for the games and crafts, the Higa family, Tom and Wilma Ogimi, Ha triumphant return to the Wailoa River State Park in Hilo on August 15- Claire Matsumoto, Donna Komagome, Alice and Larry Morisako for the prizes, 16, 2008. Friday, August 15, will be for teams to practice, with the actual races to vegetables and lucky numbers, Guy Miyashiro for tent set up, Gary Miyashiro and follow on Saturday, August 16. Garret Iha for collecting dues and donations, Pat Miyashiro for the shave ice, and The Haari Boat Race and Festival traces its origins to 1989, when Hawaii Mark Matsumoto for a being a terrific emcee. The highlight of the picnic was a County Councilman James Arakaki and a delegation of Hui Okinawa members potluck lunch dubbed The Taste of Ginowan, where members shared their favor- requested three sabani (Haari) boats from Mayor Higa of Nago City, Okinawa ite dishes. (Hawaii County’s Sister City) for the purposes of hosting a Haari Boat Festival. A heartfelt mahalo to all who volunteered at this year’s 25th Okinawan The boats arrived in 1990 and were dedicated to the County of Hawaii. In Festival! A lot of sweat and hard work went into cooking andagi on Saturday and August 1990, the first Haari Boat race was held at Wailoa River. Nago City sent Sunday, but we still managed to have fun, and it was great! Many thanks to those their championship team. Current Nago City Mayor Yoshikazu Shimabukuro who came on Sunday morning to help mix more andagi batter; we sold out of has committed to attending the 2008 Festival along with some of his cabinet andagi this year! members and the championship team from the Nago City’s Mayor’s Cup. The As the year closes, we want to thank each of our members for their tireless dedi- boat races help bridge the friendship between two seaside cities, Nago City and cation. Remember to bring your families to celebrate with fellow club members at Hilo. There will be three divisions for the race including a division just for HUOA our club’s next major event, the Shinnenkai on Saturday evening, March 15, 2008, clubs/teams. at Hawaii Okinawa Center. We hope to see you there! Hui Okinawa is currently planning the festival, which will also include Okinawan food concessions, andagi sales, Okinawan products, a cultural display and a golf tournament. So, save the date and plan to be there. For more information and team registration forms, you can go to the official festival website: www.haariboatfestival.com or contact festival general chairperson Margaret Torigoe at (808) 935-4071 or e-mail [email protected].
Ginowan Shijin Kai members over 80 years of age, 1st row (left-right): Yasuichi Zakimi, Seijiro Shiroma, Irene Shimabukuro, Nancy Arizumi and Violet Iha, 2nd row (left-right) Seihan Tamashiro, and Mitzi Miyashiro.
This is Your Newsletter th Please send us your club news items, member spot- Hui Makaala Holds 60 Scholarship lights, and photos. E-mail us at [email protected] . Luncheon and Fashion Show Mahalo! t was a gala affair with 950 people in attendance on October 21 at the Sheraton IWaikiki Hotel. The foyer was filled with boutiques sharing their goods and wares and the silent auction and raffle were in full force until the ballroom doors opened at 11:30 a.m. Hui Makaala was honored by the presence of Linda Taira, the first woman news correspondent of Japanese ancestry to appear on national television, who served as guest emcee. Ms. Taira – a four-year Hui Makaala scholarship recipient – donated her time and travel to give back to the organization. We are certainly proud of her accomplishments. Entertainment was produced and coordinated by the incomparable Keiko Ura. It was a half hour mix of incredible talent, stemming from taiko to Japanese star Koishiro Nishikawa, to local favorites Marion Arakaki, Aiko Sekiguchi, Dale Senaga, Frances Nakachi, Chieko Kawaguchi, and, not to forget our own “Singing Mayor” – Mayor Mufi Hannemann. The entertainment was just the beginning to the wonderful fashions that followed. Traveling all the way from Okinawa, the mother-daughter designer team of Mitsuko and Kanna Yamauchi of Fashion Room Madonna awed the audience with their beautiful couture designs. Hui Makaala is so proud to have been able to sponsor the Yamauchis to commemorate the organization’s 60th year of being chartered. Jeanie Chun closed out the show with a wedding portion of lace and dazzle. Thank you to everyone who participated in or attended the show. You played an important part in continuing the legacy of the Hui Makaala Scholarship Program. November/December 2007 Uchinanchu 13 Introducing... Ohana Ola O Kahumana Project Spreads Laura Nakasone Uchinanchu Aloha ust two weeks before By Ford Chinen Jthe awesome 25th ery early on the morning of July 28, 2007, Okinawan Festival was Va small army of volunteers moved into to take place, a vibrant, action. One group was picking up blocks of youthful and energetic ice near Pier 38. Another group was at Zippy’s Uchinanchu walked near the Hawaii Okinawa Center (HOC) pick- through the doors of the ing up trays of cooked rice and bags of chili. Hawaii Okinawa Center to Others were at the HOC loading up supplies, become our much-needed equipment, donated clothing, and new and Executive Assistant for used toys to be given as gifts. Other volun- the HUOA. Meet Laura teers were busy transporting groceries, prizes Nakasone, a member of Urasoe Shijin Kai, who has and cases of donated fruits and vegetables. At already proven herself to be a blessing, a breath of the same time, members of the Hawaii Eisa fresh air, and a wonderful addition to our HUOA Shinyuu Kai were gathering costumes and family. instruments for their performance. Laura, who was formerly the Marketing Manager When they arrived at the site in Lualualei and Assistant General Manager for Chelsea Property Valley, Waianae, still more volunteers were Ohana Ola O Kahumana Photo credit by Clayton Arakaki Group’s Waikele Premium Outlets, comes to us with busy setting up tents, tables and preparing an a tremendous amount of expertise and experiences area for picnic games. When the supplies arrived, prizes and gifts for the children were sorted and organized. – and she is fluent in conversational Japanese. Gift baskets of fruits, vegetables and household items were prepared for each family. Gas burners were fired up MENSORE Laura! to cook andagi and heat up hotdogs for the luncheon menu. The children’s games area was set-up and prizes You can get a good sense for the type of person readied. On the outdoor stage, micro- Laura is by reading in her own words her impressions phones and speakers were also being of her first two months on the job: set-up. Near the stage, the shaved-ice Hai tai! Prior to working here, I felt the Hawaii machine, supplies and ice were readied United Okinawa Association was just an organization under another tent. By 10 a.m. everything that put together the Festival, craft fairs and rented was ready. out the ballroom. After nine weeks of employment, I All of these preparations were made know now that there is so much more! Thousands of in support of HUOA’s second annual dedicated volunteers for the Festival, the dependable Community Service Project to bring an gardeners and office helpers, countless planning Okinawan style picnic to the families of meetings, incredible energy and commitment from Ohana Ola O Kahumana. This transi- Jane and her staff, and, most impressively, the sheer tional shelter houses approximately 250 amount of time lovingly given to our organization residents, mostly Hawaiian and Pacific covers only a part of what the HUOA does. Islanders who were previously homeless Myself included, many are not aware of the but now living in approximately 50 units organization’s responsibilities to foster relationships constructed in coordination with the with Okinawa and local government, partnership Hawaii Eisa Shinyuu Kai Taiko Group. Photo credit by Clayton Arakaki State of Hawaii. with schools, support of Okinawan culture and art The program began with a shishimai groups, and commitment to community service. performance by the Young Okinawans of Hawaii. Many of the children gathered in front of the stage to get a Many non-profit entities only dream of reaching our better look, but when the shiisaa leapt off the stage, they scattered for cover into the arms of their families. A level of operations. I continue to be awestruck and Bon Dance performance by the members of the Hawaii Eisa Shinyuu Kai followed with many of the residents proud of what our organization can do. The foresight joining in. The residents of Ohana Ola O Kahumana reciprocated and shared their culture by performing the to purchase property and build a for-profit entity hula and other dances from the Pacific Islands. When the performances ended, the games began; children’s to support the HUOA demonstrates a belief in its games for the younger ones and picnic games for the older kids and adults. The picnic games for individuals mission and shows the strength of Uchinanchu and and relays ended with the traditional water balloon toss which of course led to a traditional “good fun” water Uchinanchu at heart. I am thankful to be a part of balloon fight for the older kids. such an outstanding organization and will do my The guests were treated to shaved-ice and a lunch served up by volunteers that included chili, rice, hotdogs, part to preserve, perpetuate and promote our culture. salad and andagi. The lunch was a big Yoroshiku onegaishimasu! hit, with many returning to ask, “More Okinawan doughnuts, please.” Through the generous donations of merchants and HUOA club members, gifts were provided to all of the chil- DONALD R. HIDANI dren who attended and gift bags were ATTORNEY AT LAW provided to each family. Rev Philip Harmon, co-founder of Ohana Ola O Kahumana, said he was blown away by CENTRAL PACIFIC PLAZA this event and he has never seen such 220 SOUTH KING STREET, SUITE 1680 • HONOLULU, HAWAI‘I 96813 generosity by any group like ours. PHONE: (808) 526-1122 • FAX: (808) 526-2882 • E-MAIL: [email protected] The project was chaired by Joan Gushiken with the assistance of her committee, which organized games, prizes, children’s games, and food. Ippee nifee deebiru! to all of our hardworking volunteers and generous donors who Joy of kachashi! Photo credit by Clayton Arakaki made this event possible.
LAS VEGAS Sales, Management & Leasing JIM AKAMINE Realtor ® Commercial - Residential Property Management 1031 Exchange (702)259-7587 Office (702)255-5230 Direct email:[email protected] 14 Uchinanchu November/December 2007 National Living Treasure of Japan to Perform in Hawaii awaii audiences will have the rare opportunity in the concert. Hto enjoy an Okinawan music and dance “Tobe Uta Sanshin 2007 in Hawaii!” will also feature over 50 performers from concert spotlighting a National Living Treasure of Hawaii, including students from Afuso-ryu Gensei Kai Hawaii Shibu, the only Japan in sanshin when Choichi Terukina Sensei Afuso-ryu school of sanshin outside of Japan. from Okinawa headlines the “14th Annual Tobe Proceeds from the performance will benefit the Hawaii United Okinawa Uta Sanshin 2007 in Hawaii!” The concert will Association’s “With Love From Lorraine” cultural travel grant program, which be held on Tuesday, November 27, at the Hawaii provides financial assistance to Okinawan performing arts students who wish Theatre. The program will begin at 6:30 p.m.; doors to advance their proficiency in their art by studying or earning certification in will open at 6p.m.. Okinawa. To date, the “With Love From Lorraine” program has funded 14 Hawaii The program is a commemorative performance students in their cultural advancement endeavors. The grant program is named marking Afuso-ryu Gensei Kai’s 80th anniversary, in memory of the late Lorraine Kaneshiro, a prolific singer and accomplished and is presented by the Ryukyu Koten Afuso-ryu Okinawan dance student who participated in and supported the Okinawan Ongaku Kenkyu Choichi Kai of Okinawa and its performing arts until her passing in 1999. Choichi Terukina Sensei Hawaii school, Afuso-ryu Gensei Kai Hawaii Shibu, General admission is $30. Hawaii Theatre requires that everyone attending, headed by Grant Murata Sensei. regardless of age, purchase a ticket. Tickets for students, senior citizens, military Joining Terukina Sensei and his students for this Hawaii performance will be and Hawaii Theatre members are $20; and VIP tickets, which include Premium four “Super Sensei” from the Tamagusuku School of Dance in Okinawa. This Seating and a concert reception, are $100. Please add $2 to each ticket for the group, the “best of Okinawa’s best,” will be accompanied by a contingent of over Hawaii Theatre Restoration Fee. Tickets can be purchased at the Hawaii Theatre 70 members and supporters of Terukina Sensei’s sanshin organization. The four box office Tuesday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. (1130 Bethel St., phone: 528-0506), or “Super Sensei” are Setsuko Tamagusuku Sensei, Mieko Kinjo Sensei, Hideko on-line at www.hawaiitheatre.com. Tamagusuku Sensei and Yoshiko Tanita Sensei. The audience will also be treated For more information on “Tobe Uta Sanshin 2007 in Hawaii!” call June to song and dance numbers by performers from Chinen Village, Terukin Sensei’s Uyeunten Nakama at 223-9703, Kenton Odo at 392-6969 or Grant Murata Sensei home village in southeastern Okinawa. They will perform dances rarely seen at 256-5919. outside of their village. Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann also has a cameo role Sterling Accomplishment in the Performing Arts he Ryukyu Shimpo Newspaper Company and the Okinawa Times Newspaper TCompany, two of Okinawa Prefecture’s major dailies, sponsor annual per- forming arts competitions known as geinoo konkuuru. The competition is open to Okinawan residents as well as overseas practitioners of Okinawa’s traditional performing arts, including buyoo (dance), sanshin, koto, kuuchoo, fue and taiko. Over the years, quite a few people from Hawaii have entered and passed these konkuuru in their respective classical performing arts medium in one of three suc- cessive levels of the examination – shinjin (newcomer), yuushuu (distinguished) and saikoo (supreme). This year was no exception, as a number of contestants par- ticipated and triumphed in their respective fields of study. In the classical music category of sanshin in the Afuso style, Kenton Odo, June Uyeunten Nakama, and Calvin Nakama passed the highest level of ‘konkuuru’ achievement as recipients of the coveted Saikoo-shoo (award) in Ryukyu Shimpo’s competition, two of whom ranked first and third in the entire corps of Okinawans and overseas musicians. Kenton is the first foreigner to take top honors in the Afuso style of classical sanshin. Odo and Uyeunten Nakama have been invited to do solo performances in Okinawa at the Geijutsusai, a recital for all of the students who passed the Okinawan performing arts exams this year. They will be the first foreigners to perform solo in the Nov. 22 show in Naha City and will return to Honolulu in time to participate in the “Tobe Uta Sanshin 2007 in Hawaii!” concert on Nov. 27. Other Hawaii residents who succeeded in the following categories and levels are: Kenton Odo, June Nakama and Calvin Nakama – all members of Afuso Ryu Gensei Kai – were awarded the coveted Saiko-sho. Ryukyu Shimpo Newspaper Company Sanshin (Afuso Style) Okinawa Times Newspaper Company Yuushuu Shoo: Ryan Nakamatsu & Melissa Sakauye Koto Shinjin Shoo: Sean Sadaoka Shinjin Shoo: Yoko Oishi-Menard Sanshin (Nomura Style) The Hawaii United Okinawa Association congratulates each geinoo konkuuru Yuushuu Shoo: Seiichi Yagi honoree and their instructors for their efforts and sterling achievement. Best Buyoo wishes for your continued success in carrying on the legacy of our Okinawan Yuushuu Shoo: Alison Yanagi community. All of you are our bright hope for the preservation and perpetuation Shinjin Shoo: Mina Tamashiro & Misako Yagi of the Okinawan culture in Hawaii. You’ve made all of us very proud! CLINT’s Appliance Service & Repair over 30 years experience Clinton “Shimabukuro” Takamori Owner
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Windward Honolulu Leeward 235-2276 536-4418 627-0299 November/December 2007 Uchinanchu 15 OPG Homestay Program Okinawan Scholarship he Okinawa Prefectural TGovernment (OPG) began a Available pilot Homestay Program this year The Hawaii United Okinawa Association is by sending eight students and accepting applications for students interested one adult to Hawaii to spend nine in applying for the Okinawan Prefectural days with families in Hawaii. Ippee Government - Foundation Scholarship for Nifee Deebiru! to our host families: descendants of Okinawan immigrants. An June Arakawa, Joan and Hatsuko academic scholarship to the University of the Gushiken, Daniel and Hatsuko Ryukyu or a performing arts scholarship to Morales, George and Emeline the Performing and Fine Arts University may Tamashiro, Roy and Sally Tsuda, become available for next year. and Ronald and Emiko Yonemoto. The tenure of this scholarship will be Their enthusiasm and willingness from April 2008 through March 2009. This to work together to provide excit- government-sponsored scholarship includes ing learning experiences for their air transportation, tuition, books, room “children” from Okinawa ensured and board. Applicants must be high school a very successful Homestay graduates between 18 and 30 years of age, with Program. sufficient knowledge of the Japanese language Special thanks to Tamagusuku in order to conduct research work or to study OPG Homestay program participants visit the Hawaii Okinawa Center Club, who invited everyone to join at the university level. Interested students are asked to contact the in their summer picnic – games, ono At our Aloha BBQ party, through skits and presen- HUOA office at 676-5400, e-mail:huoa@huoa. potluck and fellowship… and to Haneji Club, who tations, all of the students shared information about org, or check out our website: www.huoa.org as extended an invitation to their picnic to play volley- Okinawa – the food, customs, cultural events, talent, soon as possible since the application deadline ball and enjoy shave ice – Hawaiian style. It was a tir- etc. Everyone was choked with tears as they bid their is the end of November. ing but most enjoyable Sunday at Kapiolani Park. host families a final aloha. Hawaii-Okinawa High School Student Exchange Program Phase 2: Trip to Okinawa or two weeks in June, 21 high school students Ffrom throughout Hawaii stayed with host families in Okinawa, attended school with their host students, and engaged in field trips conducted by the Okinawa Board of Education. The following excerpts from two students’ “Reflections” essays provide a glimpse into their experiences in Okinawa. Excerpt from Danica Tamaye, Honokaa High School he excursions that we took while in Okinawa were Tunforgettable and educational as well. The field trips taught me quite a bit about Okinawan culture and history. The opportunity to see and explore the grounds of Shuri Castle was so astonishing. One of my favorite places to visit was the Peace Memorial Park. The impact of what happened during the Battle of Okinawa came to life in the museum. The exhibit that made the biggest impression on me was the exhibit containing the logs of all the personal experi- ences of those who experienced the war first hand. The stories made me feel like I was actually there with Hawaii exchange students at Okinawa’s Peace Memorial Park these people, not an opportunity that I would be will- ing to witness. My first impression of my host student, Rina was great; I spent more money there than I do in a Browsing the halls of Naha Commercial High Matsumoto, was that she was shy and highly devoted year! My host student and I, some students from School was a memorable experience. Everyone at to school. I was right about the second, but Rina Hawaii, and friends in Okinawa went everywhere from school was so generous and openly kind to me. turned out to be a very outgoing person who intro- shopping centers, to bowling alleys, movie theaters, Although many students and teachers didn’t under- duced me to everyone! Yakinikus and the beach! stand English – and I couldn’t understand Japanese School life at Kaiho High School was drastically dif- In addition to making new friends and going to – we were all willing to understand each other. It was ferent from my school life at Hawaii Baptist Academy. new places, I was able to visit my cousins and great really fun getting to know my peers in school and First of all, every student was required to wear a grandmother’s nephew in Naha. I really enjoyed get- forming international relationships despite the lan- school uniform (white shirt and black pants for guys, ting to know my relatives and shared about our family guage barrier. shirt and skirt for girls). Next was the uwabaki, or in Hawaii. I left their house with two big books about My host family was so great! They were so willing to Japanese slippers, that every student was required to the history of Okinawa; feeling like a new part of me take me to places and accommodate my needs. They wear in school. I also had to wear these slippers, which had been discovered. treated me with a warm welcome and accepted me as I later learned was used to keep the school clean. The most memorable part of my trip was the time if I were one of the family members. I am so grateful The school hours were extremely long. Sometimes I spent with my hostess and her family. I felt like we that I was able to stay with this family and also have would get to school at 7 a.m. and arrive home around were a family because their hospitality and acceptance the opportunity to experience all of what Okinawa 7 p.m.! Everyone in Okinawa was very friendly, espe- was so immense. Even their dog Muku welcomed me! has to offer. I hope that I will get the chance to take cially my classmates at school. It seemed like they had (He would jump up and eat my breakfast on a regular part in this trip again. their own “aloha spirit” because they were so kind and basis!) unselfish. Leaving Okinawa was like leaving a part of me Excerpt from Adam Akamine, There were so many experiences that they seemed to behind and I know that this trip will be a memo- Hawaii Baptist Academy pass in a blur. The aquarium in Hawaii pales in com- rable milestone in my life. I learned more about my t first, I was very reluctant to even go on this trip parison to the Churaumi Aquarium’s gigantic tank Okinawan family history and culture. I was able to Abecause I thought it would interfere with my filled with hundreds of different sea creatures includ- experience “island-style” living the Okinawan way. summer vacation. Instead, this trip ended up being ing the famous whale sharks. The Peace Memorial was My Okinawa friends and I are keeping in contact via the highlight of my summer! The friendships I made, a shocking reminder of the sacrifices that millions MySpace and e-mail. I am looking forward to visiting the incredible new experiences, and the discovery of of men made in World War II and the hardships that Okinawa next year and I also hope that some of them my family’s history all changed my views of life in Okinawans especially faced during the war. The shop- will come to Hawaii soon! Okinawa. ping at Kokusai Street (the main street of Okinawa) Nov 2007 Watch “Hawaii Okinawa Today,” Monday evenings at 7 p.m. on ‘Olelo– Nov 19 Winter Craft Fair meeting; Serikaku Chaya 7pm Oceanic Cable Channel 53. You can also view our shows on Olelonet – simul- Nov 20 Board of Directors meeting; Legacy I, 7pm taneous Web streaming. For updated information contact; [email protected] or Nov 24-25 HUOA Winter Craft Fair, Legacy I/II, 9am visit our website; www.huoa.org for detailed information. Nov 26 (no Kobudo Taiko practice) Dec 3 2005 Okinawan Festival – Show #1, featuring the opening procession Nov 27 14th Annual TOBE! Uta Sanshin 2007 and Afuso Ryu Gensei Kai and ceremonies, Koten Gassho Classical Ensemble, Happy Seniors 80th Anniversary Commemorative Performance, Dancing Club, and the Ryukyukoku Matsuri Daiko Hawaii. Hawaii Theatre, 6:30 p.m. Dec 10 2005 Okinawan Festival – Show #2, featuring the Kilauea Okinawa Dec 2007 Dance Group, Jimpu Kai U.S.A. Kin Ryosho Ryukyu Geino Kenkyusho, Dec 1 Chimugukuru-The Soul of Okinawan Dance by the Ryusei Honryu Hawaii Taiko Kai, and Calabash. Ryuko Kai; Hawaii Okinawa Center, 2pm Dec 17 Short features on Lynne Yoshiko Nakasone, Seikichi “Chick” Takara, and Leroy Taba. Dec 4 Executive Council mtg; Serikaku Chaya, 7pm Dec 24 2005 Okinawan Festival – Show #3, featuring the Okinawa Buyo Club; Dec 5 HUOA’s Evening in Waipio Craft Fair; Ryukyu Koten Afuso-Ryu Kenkyuu Choichi Kai (Hawaii Shibu), Afuso Hawaii Okinawa Center, 5:30-9pm Ryu Gensei Kai (Hawaii Shibu), Hawaii Sandaa Kai; Hooge Kai, Dec 6 Communications & Information Committee meeting; Nakasone Dance Academy; and the Two Ti Leaf Band. Serikaku Chaya, 7pm Dec 31 2005 Jikoen Hongwanji Mission First Annual Talent Show held on July 10, 2005. (Premiere) Dec 10 Club Development Committee meeting; Serikaku Chaya, 7pm Jan 7 “Umanchu Suruti Utati Uduyabira” - Part One, presented by Taiko Tae Dec 18 Administration Committee meeting; Serikaku Chaya, 7pm no Kai Zukeran Kaoru Kenkyusho at the Hawaii Okinawa Center on Jan 2008 November 7, 2004. Jan 12 Installation Luncheon & Recognition of Uchinanchu of the Year Jan 14 2005 Okinawan Festival – Show #4, featuring the Lanakila Senior Center Line Dance; Ryusei Honryu Yanagi No Kai, Hawaii Shibu; Classes • Meetings at Hawaii Okinawa Center: Ryukyu Kobudo Taiko, Hawaii Shibu; and Traci Toguchi. Ikebana; every 3rd Wed* Jan 21 “Umanchu Suruti Utati Uduyabira” - Part Two, presented by Taiko Tae Karaoke nite; last Tue, 6:30pm (none in December) no Kai Zukeran Kaoru Kenkyusho at the Hawaii Okinawa Center on Kobudo Taiko; every Mon, 7pm; contact Calvin Nakama 224-7374 November 7, 2004. Okinawan Genealogical Society mtg; every 3rd Sat, 9 am (none in Nov/Dec) Jan 28 HUOA 2007 Legacy Award Luncheon honoring Violet Ogawa, Katsumi HUOA Sanshin; every Thu*, 7 pm Shinsato, Maurice Yamasato, Wally Yonamine, and Rev. Chikai Uchinaaguchi; every 3rd Mon* *7pm; for information, please call 676-5400 Yosemori– Part One, held at the Waikiki Sheraton Hotel on September . 23, 2007. (Premiere) ***Subject to Change*** (entries as of 10/17/07) Ha p py Ho lida y s fro m Ha waii Unite d Ok ina wa As so ciat io n